What is a Seniors Card?

The Seniors Card is a discount card for Ireland's seniors. It offers discounts on a variety of products and services from participating businesses. The Seniors Card is a private discount scheme with no income or asset test. This is a key difference from many other senior benefits in Ireland that are means-tested (more details below). The card is available to all Irish residents over the age of 60. The Seniors Card costs €50 or €53 including postage and packaging.

How to Apply for a Seniors Card

To apply for a Seniors Card, visit the seniorscard.ie website and fill out the application form. You will need to provide your name, email address, mobile phone number, and payment information.

Is a Seniors Card Worth it?

The Seniors Card allows cardholders to take advantage of discounts at participating businesses. This can lead to cost savings depending on the discounts offered by participating businesses. The Seniors Card Scheme also gives businesses the opportunity to promote their services to Seniors Card holders.

You can find a list of participating businesses on the seniorscard.ie/listings page. Here are some examples of the better discounts that we could find:

• Clayton Hotel Sligo: complimentary tea/coffee and a scone on arrival
• Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork: 10% discount to senior card holders
• Clifden Station House Hotel: 10% discount on B&B rateto senior card holders
• Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort: 10% discount to senior card holders
• Patrick St Dental, Dublin: 50% Discount to Senior Card Holder on things like white fillings, x-rays, root canal treatment.

Free Travel Scheme for Seniors

In addition to the Seniors Card, Irish residents aged 66 and over can avail of the Free Travel Scheme. This scheme allows for free travel on public transport, including bus, rail, and DART services, as well as some private bus and ferry services. People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify.

To be eligible for Free Travel, you must be living in Ireland and meet one of the following conditions:

• Aged 66 or over
• Receiving Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carer's Allowance, or an Invalidity Pension
• Blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• Receiving Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• A specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance
• Receiving a social security invalidity payment from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months
• Aged over 17 and under 66, and medically certified as never been medically fit to drive due to a disability or as unfit to drive for at least 12 months
• Widow, widower, or surviving civil partner receiving a relevant pension or benefit

If you are aged 66 or over and receiving a State pension, your Public Services Card (PSC) will be issued automatically with Free Travel. If you are under 66 and meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to apply for Free Travel. You can apply by contacting your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

Medical Card for Over 70s

Irish residents aged 70 or over may be eligible for a medical card, which provides access to a range of health services free of charge. To qualify, your gross income must not exceed €550 a week if you are single or €1050 a week for a couple.

If one member of a couple is aged 70 or over, they will both qualify for a medical card if their combined income does not exceed €1050 a week. The medical card will cover the cardholder's dependents, including a spouse (under or over 70) and children.

To apply for a medical card for over 70s, you can download the application form from the HSE website or request a form by phone. You will need to provide proof of income and any relevant medical reports.

Other Benefits and Entitlements for Seniors

In addition to the Seniors Card, the Free Travel Scheme, and the medical card for over 70s, there are a number of other benefits and entitlements available to seniors in Ireland. These include:

• Household Benefits Package: This package provides assistance with the cost of living expenses for people aged 70 or over, and in certain circumstances, people under 70. It includes an electricity or gas allowance and a free television licence.
• Housing Aid for Older People Scheme: This scheme provides grants for home repairs and improvements to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their homes.
• Carer's Support Grant: This grant provides financial assistance to carers who are providing full-time care to an older person.
• Living Alone Increase: This is a weekly supplementary payment for people on social welfare payments who are living alone.

For more detailed information on these and other benefits, you can refer to the following resources: